By: Kabir Getso
In continuation of his efforts to transform Jigawa State’s agricultural landscape, Governor Malam Umar Namadi led a state government delegation to a high-level bilateral meeting with top international investors and agricultural development stakeholders.
The session, held Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel, Abuja, included representatives from SINOMACH, China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd, YTO Group Corporation, and Agra Consortium Ltd, as well as the Federal Government’s National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND).
The meeting provided a platform for the Jigawa State Government to showcase its Legacy Agricultural Projects Investment Prospectus, which outlines transformative initiatives aimed at repositioning Jigawa as a leading hub for agribusiness and agro-industrialization in Nigeria.
This investment initiatives include:
•Establishment of an Organic Fertilizer Plant promoting sustainable agriculture
•A YTO Tractor Assembly Plant to accelerate mechanization and industrial development.
•Unlocking 6,000 hectares of irrigable land in the Hadejia wetlands for dry-season farming.
•Integrated Halal Products Hub, a modern slaughterhouse with 2,500-animal daily capacity.
•Commodity Exchange and Warehouse Receipts System to enhance market access and food systems.
In his remarks, Governor Namadi welcomed the international delegations, stating:
“Let me first warmly welcome all the delegates to this critical meeting, especially our partners that came all the way from Beijing. In particular, I am delighted with the presence of the Vice President of SINOMACH, Mr. Li, and other esteemed members of his team, as well as all the delegates from China CAMC Engineering, YTO, and our implementation partner, the Agra Consortium Limited, led by its Managing Director, Nasiha Ahmad. In the same vein, I also profoundly appreciate the presence of the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim, and other members of his team.”
“Following our very productive engagements with officials of China CAMCE Engineering and AGRA Consortium Limited at the CAMCE Headquarters in December last year, I am highly delighted that we are meeting again today to review progress and take decisions on forging ahead with our strategic engagements.”
Governor Namadi emphasized Jigawa’s agricultural potential, noting that 80% of the state’s 2.47 million hectares is arable land, complemented by 242 water bodies and the Maigatari Livestock Market, the largest of its kind in Africa.
Governor Namadi highlighted significant strides already made in the state’s agricultural sector since 2023, when his administration came on board, which include the formation of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Company, payment of ₦900 million for the clearance and delivery of imported agricultural equipment, the creation of 60 service centers across all state constituencies, and the recruitment and training of 720 equipment operators, supported by 30 technicians trained in China.
In the same vein, the governor also informed the gathering about the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency, which will spearhead sustainable practices, farmer mobilization, and demand-driven innovation.
“As a major component of our Agricultural Transformation Agenda, I am pleased to inform our partners that we are presently formalizing the establishment of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency. This was informed by our expressed desire to modernize the agricultural sector to ensure sustainable improvements in productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.”
The meeting also explored new investment frontiers, including renewable energy, expanded irrigation systems, and the revitalization of the Jigawa Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Maigatari—a key facility being upgraded to attract international investment.
“Agriculture remains our greatest comparative advantage. Through strategic partnerships like these, we will unlock Jigawa’s full potential, create jobs, ensure food security, and drive sustainable development.”
Li Xiaoyu, Vice Chairman of SINOMACH, expressed confidence in the partnership:
“We are proud to be leaders in agricultural equipment manufacturing. Our cooperation with Jigawa State is a model we hope other states will emulate,” he said.
The meeting builds on earlier engagements held in Beijing and aligns with the state’s broader Agricultural Transformation Agenda, reflecting Governor Namadi’s dedication to agriculture-led economic growth.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State
April 9, 2025
